With a tropical climate and a location smack bang on the equator, Costa Rica experiences a vast array of weather. Whilst it can almost always guarantee warmth, it’s advisable to think about what you want to do on your visit and the exact time of year to plan for, particularly if you would like to avoid a rainy deluge. And that’s exactly why we’re here… Read on for our handy guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica and make the most of everything that this emerald jewel of a country has to offer.
December – April
Costa Rica’s high season, this is undoubtedly the perfect time of year to visit. These months experience the least amount of rainfall and the country is at its driest – although with 51% of the land covered in rainforest, take that with a pinch of salt! This is an ideal time to explore almost anywhere in Costa Rica: the beaches will be bright and sunny, the rainforests bursting with world-famous wildlife, and the city streets bustling with festivals. Speaking of which, if you love a local celebration of culture then December’s Fiestas Zapote and January’s Fiestas de Palmares are two events to add to your diary. The contagious carnival atmosphere is impossible to ignore ; Costa Rica certainly knows how to festival! Marine life is also excellent at this time of year, with loggerhead turtles nesting on the Nicoya Peninsula from October to February and whales in the Golfo Dulce in December and January.
As it’s the peak season, it’s possible to travel just anywhere that your heart desires and a great time to explore the country from top to toe. Any one of our Costa Rica trips would be excellent at this time of year from our Classic Costa Rica adventure to All about nature.
If there’s one downside to travelling at this time of year, it’s the crowds. They don’t call it peak season for nothing and you might find there are a few more people in the national parks and must-see hotspots than at other times of year. But with beautiful weather and colourful festivities, you can probably excuse the others visiting alongside you.
May and June
The green season in Costa Rica is fantastic. It’s as lush as the name suggests and a perfect time to explore the many natural wonders. There might be more rain now than in peak season, but it’s usually condensed into a few short showers a day and mixed with plenty of sunshine too. And whilst the rain might not be everyones’ cup of tea, it’s these occasional showers that restore the environment back to its emerald glory and allow you a glimpse of the country at what we think might be its most beautiful. If it’s nature that brings you here, you’ll also be pleased to know that the national parks are often much less crowded in the green season, leaving you to explore in relative peace. So that’s a tick for rainforest-goers and wildlife seekers, but did you know it’s also a great time for surfers? It’s at this time that the swells begin to pull through, creating one of the best surfing destinations in the world.
Our All about nature trip is the ideal way to explore Costa Rica’s famed national parks and play animal bingo. Long hikes reveal everything the rainforests have to offer, and snorkelling and kayaking the beaches of Golfo Dulce will display all manner of wild and wonderful marine life. Waterfalls, bubbling mud baths, lively rainforests and pristine beaches are yours for the taking on this adventure.
An additional bonus at this time of year are the good deals that are quite often in place. You might well find you save a little bit of money – and that’s always a good thing.
July and August
Costa Rica also has something known as a ‘little high season’. This sweet name refers to the months of August and July, which see an uptick in travellers thanks both to the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, but also because these months act as a short break in the rainy seasons. There will be showers around, but they are light and infrequent, allowing you to carry on with the important business of exploring. Like the green season, this time of year is bursting with life and the rainforests are in full and vibrant health. It’s also a great time to visit as a family. For many, this time of year brings long school holidays and little adventurers will enjoy spotting Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife, not only in the rainforests but along the coastlines that brim with turtles and whales. If you do visit in July, be sure to make a trip to the city of Puntarenas for the Virgin of the Sea festival during which beautifully bedecked fishing boats float out on the water in an incredible spectacle.
The east coast of Costa Rica (the Caribbean side) is great to visit at this time of year and our beaches and beauty of the East trip is just the way to do that. You’ll begin in lively San José, before hopping, skipping and jumping down the coast to Tortuguero, the Cordillera Central mountains, ending in our seaside favourite, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Whilst it’s not as busy as ‘true’ high season, this time of year still does attract the crowds so be sure to book in advance.
September – November
Just as the name suggests, wet season is when Costa Rica experiences the most rain. It can be a tricky time of year to travel with the weather causing poor road conditions and landslides. There’s rain almost every day and the conditions are largely wet and humid. One exception is the east coast, which is usually experiencing drier, warmer weather at this time of year – and it’s only the most remote spots you won’t be able to reach. If you’re a surfer, you’ll know that September through to November are some of the best times to catch waves on Costa Rica’s beaches so now is the time to travel. The benefit of visiting in these months is that you’ll have most the sights to yourself and if you happen to visit in October, be sure to check out the incredible Limon Carnival in the east coast city of Puerto Limon, an exciting, colourful, and wonderfully flamboyant Caribbean festival.
It is a difficult time of year to visit Costa Rica but certainly not impossible, and our team will be more than happy to help create the perfect wet season adventure to suit your travel style.
